Aaron Ramsey says Wales thrive under pressure after win in Georgia

Christopher Davidson

Wales, who are without injured talisman Gareth Bale, face Ireland on Monday in what is shaping up to be a colossal match with a likely playoff spot up for grabs. Victory over Ireland on Monday will nearly certainly be good enough to earn them a shot at reaching a second consecutive tournament.

The only goal of a tight affair came just four minutes into the second half courtesy of Derby County's wide man Lawrence, who bagged his first ever in a Wales shirt.

"Of all the games in this campaign, the one we could have lost and the one we looked at in needing three points, was at home to Georgia", Coleman said.

Despite his tender years, Ben Woodburn's dream impact off the bench in the last two games, scoring the victor against Austria and then setting up the opener in Moldova, will surely put him in line for his first start.

"Whether that includes him or not it will all be about what I feel is best for us on the night in Georgia".

Therefore, the aim is clear. Tom Lawrence was the match victor, but Wales remained a threat throughout, with Bale's absence having little detrimental effect.

Two wins would nearly certainly guarantee Wales a play-off place next month, although favourable results in other groups could see four points being enough.

To finish second they will nearly certainly have to secure four points from their remaining two matches, as Ireland are virtually assured of beating Moldova. Loria and Wayne Hennessey in the opposite goal were both left relatively untroubled all game, with both teams wasting good openings in the final third.

And the bookies are in no doubt Ireland will win on Friday, despite their recent loss of form, with Boylesports going a best price of 1/10.

At half-time, Coleman clapped his players and bounded down the tunnel, clearly pleased at what he had seen. They'll take it to anybody.

Ramsey is one of seven Wales players on a yellow card, which is far from ideal given Wales are in a position where they can ill-afford to lose anyone to suspension for the Ireland game.

With so much at stake, Gareth Bale's withdrawal through injury has come as a crushing blow for a team boasting few standout match-winners.

And without Bale that is a real possibility. Unbeaten Wales' penchant for drawing games (they have drawn five of their eight qualifiers) has put them at risk of being the unlucky runner-up should they finish second.

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